As part of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, the Department of Nursing is committed to academic and scholarly excellence and community partnerships. This focus is evident in our undergraduate and graduate programs that lead to lifelong careers in the nursing profession. The Department of Nursing's versatile programs and degree offerings span all levels of learning — bachelor's, master's, and doctoral. We offer flexible options customized for registered nurses (RNs) as well as those who are not yet RNs. At Metro State, you can earn an accredited degree by conveniently taking nursing program classes online, at our Saint Paul, Minnesota-based campus, or in a hybrid format.
The scope of the Department of Nursing offerings has significantly expanded since its initial accreditation, and our commitment to preparing graduates to enhance the health of underserved and diverse populations remains a core principle strongly embedded in our educational foundation. Our accomplished resident and community faculty continue to lead curricular and program innovations. As such, the Department of Nursing's current offerings reflect and consider the evolving needs of our communities and those of the professionals working in the rapidly changing health care systems.
Undergraduate options
The Bachelor of Science in Health Systems (BSHS) program is designed for individuals holding a health-related associate degree the opportunity to work toward a career in health systems management. With a multidisciplinary approach founded on the liberal arts, behavioral science, and life sciences, the BSHS program prepares graduates for increasing responsibility and greater opportunities in clinical practice, management and leadership, community health, program development, education, and product sales.
One of the Nursing Department's most recent curricular innovations is the Minnesota Alliance for Nursing Education Bachelor of Science in Nursing (MANE BSN) program. Developed in 2013, this program is recognized as a national model in nursing education. The collaboration between community colleges and Metro State seeks to increase student access to and attainment of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and is intended for those who are not currently registered nurses. The program can be completed at Metro State's St. Paul campus or at a partner community college for students who are dually-admitted. After attaining licensure in the State of Minnesota, graduates are qualified to register as Public Health Nurses (PHN) with the Minnesota Board of Nursing. The MANE BSN program is endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation; graduates are eligible to sit for the holistic nurse certification exam with a waiver of continuing education and practice requirements.
The Registered Nurse-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) program is suited for RNs with an Associate degree or diploma. Studies can be completed at Metro State's St. Paul campus, with a new cohort beginning each fall, spring and summer semester. The curriculum focuses on holistic nursing care and is designed for working RNs utilizing a part-time cohort model of in-person and on-line courses. Graduates are qualified to register as Public Health Nurses (PHN) with the Minnesota Board of Nursing. The RN-BSN program is endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation, which means graduates can sit for the holistic nurse certification exam with a waiver of continuing education and practice requirements.
Graduate options
The Nursing Department's graduate offerings allow students to gain additional education and specialization. The Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELMSN) program is designed for students holding a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing. This seven-semester sequence of courses builds on liberal arts and/or science-oriented baccalaureate degrees and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. After attaining licensure in the State of Minnesota, graduates are qualified to register as Public Health Nurses (PHN) with the Minnesota Board of Nursing. Since the ELMSN program is endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation, graduates may sit for the holistic nurse certification exam with a waiver of continuing education and practice requirements.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares RNs with a baccalaureate or entry level master's degree in nursing to develop advanced leadership skills and to expand their scope of practice to include the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) role of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Additionally, through a partnership with the Minneapolis School of Anesthesia (MSA), students may earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice with a concentration of nurse anesthesia, preparing students to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Interested students should look for details on program admission requirements on the MSA website at http://www.nurseanesthesia.org/. In both the FNP and CRNA track, the DNP program curriculum consists of didactic and clinical course work which culminates in the completion of an evidence-based clinical scholarship project.